Published: 2014 | 544 pages | Hardcover | ~1,200 photos

Erik Lorentzen's The King of the Jungle is a lush, oversized visual tribute to one of the most pivotal moments in Elvis Presley’s career: the 1968 NBC “Comeback Special.” With over 1,000 high-quality photos—many previously unpublished—the book documents Elvis’s transformation from fading movie idol to electrifying stage presence, recapturing the raw charisma that first made him famous.

The design is bold and cinematic, mirroring the energy of the comeback itself. Large-format layouts give the images room to breathe, while detailed captions, production notes, and commentary provide depth beyond mere nostalgia.

Unlike Lorentzen’s broader timeline-driven Elvis Files series, The King of the Jungle narrows its focus to just one project. That allows for richer detail, such as:

• Behind-the-scenes insights on the sit-down and stand-up shows

• Coverage of the rehearsals, wardrobe, and stage direction

• Reproductions of scripts, call sheets, and rare memorabilia

• Testimonials from crew and fans who witnessed the tapings